Why Plant

Planting Reaps Big Rewards…That Grow & Grow

When you plant a seed, plant a tree, or start an edible garden, something almost magical happens. Put roots in the soil, and you begin a chain reaction of goodness. It begins with your health, spreads to your quality of life, and unfolds into the world around you. You could call it magic – we just call it planting something. It’s one of the simplest things you can do to have a measurable impact on your world.

Plant for…

…Better Health.

Here in Maine, we’re on a mission to move more, fight common diseases, and incorporate physical activity into our everyday life. Gardening — everything from digging a hole to weeding — is the ideal exercise to get the heart pumping. Gardening helps maintain a healthy weight, and does wonders for mental health. It’s calming, and it has been found to reduce stress, improve mood and support brain health as we age. Those who plant have improved nutrition as well, and tend to eat more fruits and vegetables.

Gardening has been found to help manage weight, reduce heart disease and diabetes risks, reduce stress, and is associated with mental clarity and feelings of reward.

…Economic Value.

Plant something around your home and the increase in your property value is estimated to be as much as 15%. Attractive landscaping can hide an unsightly fence or transform a barren view, and it can create a more beautiful living space for buyers, neighbors, and your family. (And, if you own a business, you’ll attract more customers.) It doesn’t require a big investment or elaborate landscaping – you can improve your curb appeal just by adding a shrub or a few potted plants.

Landscaping improves curb appeal, adds value to your home, and provides a beautiful sanctuary that you can be proud of.

…The Environment.

Planting something involves more than just pretty blooms. Adding vegetation around your home can reduce storm runoff, remove carbon dioxide from the air, decrease pollutants from the air and soil, and preserve the natural environment for wildlife, birds, and valuable insects. Whether you live in the city or on the outskirts, on the coast or inland, when you plant, you help preserve the earth’s health, and you make a permanent contribution to our ecosystem.

One tree can remove 26 pounds of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere annually, equaling 11,000 miles of car emissions.

…Your Community.

Every time you buy plants and supplies from your neighborhood garden center or hire a nearby landscaper you are investing in the local economy. You are taking part in providing jobs and supporting local businesses. When you shop at independent retailers, spending money close to home, those dollars go back into your community. And, when you shop locally, you’ll enjoy diverse choices that represent the local character and its values. Sowing the seed of local prosperity? That’s worth every cent.

“I plant because it helps my chronic pain by moving around in the garden each day. It’s a way to be active that I can look forward to. I also enjoy the pollinators that come as a result. I love the idea I’m contributing to a little ecosystem in my own back yard.” #whyIplant